Filipino charged with ID theft in US

NEWARK, New Jersey—A Filipino man has been charged with stealing the identities of high-profile victims in order to steal from them.

Federal prosecutors in New Jersey announced charges Friday against 35-year-old Peter Locsin, of Talisay City in the Philippines.

One of the victims was described as a “well-known socialite and entertainer” and another as a “former high-ranking United States government official,” but prosecutors declined to reveal their identities.

Locsin was arrested on unrelated charges last month in the Philippines, where he remains in custody.

Prosecutors charged that he conspired with others to steal people’s personal information online or through phone calls and then use them to make wire transfers and order credit cards.

Prosecutors said it was not known if Locsin had an attorney to comment on his behalf. He faces up to 30 years in prison.